What is Acupuncture?

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most well-researched practices in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves the gentle insertion of various sizes of sterile needles at specific points on the body — called acupuncture points — to stimulate your body's natural healing response. Many people associate Acupuncture as just the utilization of needles, for those of us who were formally trained, there are so many other tools to engage with Acupuncture points! These include, cupping, moxa, electroacupuncture, laser acupuncture, tuning fork acupuncture, etc!

From a TCM perspective, these points lie along pathways called meridians, through which your body's vital energy (called "qi") flows. When that flow is disrupted — by stress, illness, injury, or poor lifestyle habits — symptoms arise. Acupuncture helps restore that flow.

From a Western medicine perspective, research shows that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, reduces inflammation, improves blood circulation, and triggers the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving compounds. It's not one or the other — it's both working together, which is exactly the integrative philosophy we embrace at Coastal Integrative Wellness.

What conditions can be helped by Acupuncture?

  • Chronic and acute pain (back pain, neck pain, headaches, migraines, joint pain)

  • Stress, anxiety, and adrenal fatigue (burnout)

  • Hormonal imbalances and menstrual irregularities

  • Fertility support and preconception care

  • Digestive issues including bloating, IBS, and constipation

  • Fatigue and low energy

  • Insomnia and poor sleep quality

  • Sports injuries and recovery

  • Postpartum support

  • Perimenopause and menopause symptoms

  • So many more! Check out this article here

  • If you don't see your concern listed here, don't hesitate to reach out — acupuncture has a broad range of applications, and we'd be happy to talk through whether it's a good fit for you.

What is a Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc)?

This is a general outline of what is required for someone who is an LAc:

  • 3 years of full-time graduate school (12 quarters)

  • Requires a bachelor's degree just to get in

  • Minimum of 1,600 academic hours

  • Minimum 1,092 clinical hours treating real patients before graduation

  • 44 additional hours shadowing licensed acupuncturists in private practice

  • Must pass national board exams (NCBAHM) after graduation to get licensed

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

Acupuncture is safe for most people and works beautifully alongside other treatments — both conventional and naturopathic. At Coastal Integrative Wellness, it's often combined with herbal medicine, visceral manipulation, craniosacral therapy, and functional nutrition to create a truly comprehensive care plan.

If you're in Charlotte, NC and curious about what acupuncture could do for you, we'd love to be your guide. Both Dr. Chao and Dr. Chelsea hold Master's degrees in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Bastyr University — one of the most respected naturopathic and East Asian medicine schools in the country.

Ready to get started? Book your appointment at coastalintegrativewellness.com/schedule — we'd love to meet you.